Mariana Velásquez on the Art of Hosting: Creating Maximalist Gatherings

Food stylist, designer, and author Mariana Velásquez is known for her “more is more” approach to cooking, home décor, and entertaining. With the release of her latest book, Revel: A Maximalist’s Guide to Having People Over, Velásquez offers a fresh perspective on the art of hosting, providing 85 recipes and menus for gatherings of all kinds.

The Philosophy Behind the Party

For Velásquez, hosting isn’t simply about the event itself, but a process that begins long before guests arrive. It involves careful planning, sketching ideas, and intentionally designing every detail. This creative process is as much about self-care as it is about creating beauty for others, a way to channel inspiration and nurture one’s spirit. She emphasizes that a welcoming home starts with tending to one’s own needs – ensuring the space is comfortable and inspiring for the host, so that abundance can be shared.

Setting the Mood: A Deliberate Design

The atmosphere of a gathering is established well before the first bite is taken. Velásquez highlights the importance of mise-en-scène – the interplay of lighting, texture, and mood. Elements like flickering candles, layered linens, and curated tableware all contribute to the overall ambiance. Thoughtful florals, seasonal greenery, curated playlists, and handwritten menus further invite guests to linger and connect.

Inspiration, according to Velásquez, can be found in unexpected places – a walk through the city, a standout ingredient at the market, a passage in a magazine, or even the history of a space. She suggests organizing these inspirations, whether digitally or in a physical mood board, to clarify and visualize the overall vision. She similarly finds inspiration in well-branded packaging, films, landscapes, books, and artworks that evoke a desired feeling.

Unruly Elegance: Mixing High and Low

Velásquez champions what she calls “unruly elegance,” which is rooted in authentic rule-breaking. The key to successfully mixing high and low elements lies in finesse, awareness, and a sense of what works. It’s about creating playful tension and unexpected contrasts.

• Playful Tension: Serving something casual, like French fries, on fine silver platters isn’t ironic. it’s delightful when paired with thoughtful accompaniments like homemade aioli.
• Texture and Contrast: Humble dishes, such as bean soup, can be elevated when served with starched linens and polished silverware. Similarly, simple foods like sardines can be presented with elegant mother-of-pearl forks.
• Cultural Anchors: Reinterpreting traditional practices, like serving wine in tumblers or chilled soup in cups, can create a chic and democratic atmosphere.

Resources

• Domino: An Excerpt from Revel
• Mariana Velásquez Official Website
• Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia on Amazon
• Revel: A Maximalist’s Guide to Having People Over at Now Serving LA